DELHI TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY, ROHINI
DELHI – 110042
(GOVT. OF NCT OF DELHI)
ASSIGNMENT- 2
DEPARTMENT OF MANAGMENT
ENGINEERING ECONOMICS HU-301
SUBMITTED TO: -
Mr. HARIOM VERMA
SUBMITTED BY: - ANSHUMAN
ROLLNO. :- 2K21/EP/16
DEPARTMENT NAME: - ENGINEERING PHYSICS (EP)
Report on Food Security in India and how the
government is working to solve these issues
ABSTRACT: -
Food security remains a pressing issue in India, affecting a
substantial segment of the population due to poverty, unequal
resource distribution, and agricultural challenges. This report
provides an in-depth analysis of the current state of food
security, specifically focusing on the agriculture sector and
governmental efforts to alleviate these issues. The report
examines the complexities faced by farmers, the distribution
dynamics of food across diverse regions, and the pivotal role of
government policies and programs in ensuring equitable food
accessibility and affordability.
India's agriculture sector plays a pivotal role in the country's
food security, yet it grapples with various challenges. Farmers,
particularly small-scale and marginal ones, encounter difficulties
ranging from inadequate infrastructure and access to credit to
climate change impacts. With agriculture predominantly rain-
fed, climatic uncertainties pose significant risks to crop yields
and livelihoods, further underscoring the need for sustainable
farming practices and resilient agricultural policies.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist within the agriculture
sector. Farmer distress, exacerbated by market fluctuations and
inadequate post-harvest infrastructure, remains a significant
concern. The legacy of the Green Revolution has led to soil
health deterioration and water depletion in certain regions,
necessitating sustainable agricultural practices and soil
conservation measures.
INTRODUCTION: -
Food security is a paramount concern for India, given its vast
and diverse population and the critical role of agriculture in
ensuring nutrition and livelihoods. India's agriculture sector
supports the livelihoods of a significant portion of its population,
especially in rural areas. However, persistent challenges such as
low productivity, inadequate infrastructure, climate
vulnerabilities, and market inefficiencies continue to impact
food production, distribution, and access.
India's agriculture is predominantly rain-fed, making it
susceptible to the unpredictability of monsoons. Small-scale and
marginal farmers, who constitute a substantial proportion of the
farming community, often lack access to modern farming
techniques, credit facilities, and adequate market linkages. This
situation exacerbates their vulnerability to fluctuations in
weather patterns and market prices, contributing to farmer
distress and income insecurity.
This report aims to delve deeper into the intricacies of food
security in India, with a specific focus on the agriculture sector
and the government's efforts to mitigate challenges. By
examining key policies, initiatives, and their impact on
enhancing food security, this report seeks to provide insights
into the multifaceted strategies required to ensure sustainable
and inclusive food systems in India. Through an analysis of
current trends, challenges, and recommendations, this report
aims to contribute to the discourse on fostering resilience and
food sovereignty in India's agricultural landscape.
Current State of Food Security in India
India's food security situation is multifaceted. While the country
has made substantial strides in food production, disparities
persist in terms of distribution and access. Agriculture remains
predominantly rain-fed, making farmers vulnerable to climatic
fluctuations. Small-scale and marginal farmers often struggle
with low productivity and lack of modern techniques. Moreover,
the food distribution system encounters logistical hurdles,
leading to uneven availability across regions.
Policies and Programmes Taken For Food
Security: -
• National Food for Work Programme (NFFWP)
• Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)
• Village Grain Banks Scheme
• Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS)
• Essential Commodities Act — 1955
• National Food Security Mission (NFSM) - 2007
• National Food Security Mission - Rice (NFSM-Rice)
o National Food Security Mission - Wheat (NFSM-Wheat)
o National Food Security Mission - Pulses (NFSM Pulses)
o Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)
• Public Distribution System (PDS)
• Mid Day Meal Scheme (MDM)
• Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS)
• Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana (SGRY) etc.
• Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
(MGNREGA)
Present Scenario offood Security in lndia:-
• India is home to more than 230 million undernourished
people – 21% population [FAO Report on The State of Food
Insecurity in the World 2008]
• About 1/2 of the population suffers from chronic under-
nutrition especially Children, Women & Elderly (lower
income groups)
• The rise in food prices between 2005 and 2007 increased
poverty by 3% on an average. Extrapolating these results
globally suggest that as a result of the rise in food prices, total
world poverty may have increased by 73-105 million
people [A recent study by World Bank -2008 in 8
countries]
• The rising prices have increased 41 million hungry in Asia and
24 million hungry in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Among the farmers, 84% are marginal and small farmers
operating not more than 2 hectares of land.
Major Issues in Achieving Food Security in
India: -
1) PRICE RISE ISSUE:
• Presently the inflation in food articles (more than 10%) is
higher than thegeneral inflation (below 6%)
• 2010 was volatile for food and agriculture sector in-terms of
high prices of essential commodities
• World food prices in 2010 has reached to the highest level
during the last 20 years
• Continued volatility in prices harms poor & undermines the
food security and livelihood of most vulnerable
• Poor people spend 60-70% of their income on food
• Rising food, commodity and oil prices have increased the
general inflation and thus affects morbidity, morality,
cognitive abilities and growth
• Rising food prices affect social protection programmes and
MDM
PRICE RISE ISSUE:
• Financial crisis and Food Security: Underlying causes for
the rise in food prices and financial crisis are different but
they are interconnected through their implications on
financial stability, food security and political security
(Braun, 2008)
• Global impact is high in case of oilseeds and edible oils
than food grains an food articles
o Adverse impact on food and nutritional security of
India
o Undermines the poverty reduction efforts and gains
over the last several years
REASONS:
I. Rise in Oil prices
II. Gap between supply and demand
III. Changes in demand due to bio-fuels
IV. Depreciation in Dollar and low interest rates in US
V. Export restrictions of developing countries
VI. Other: like market distortions by hoarding and high profit
margins by traders and commission agents Exports,
Intermediary taxations, Restrictions on movements of
goods due to lack of implementation of law by state
governments, Improper storage Facilities.
progress towards achieving Poverty and Hunger MDGs would
affect for some time the come...
2) CONSUMPTION ISSUES:
• Percentage of population consuming less than 1890 calorie
per day as food insecure [Report on the State of Food
Insecurity in Rural India, 2008 by World Food programme
(WFP) and MS Swaminathan Foundation]
• Nutrition among children, women very poor
• The World Food Programme (WFP) estimates:
o 50% of World's hungry live in India.
o 1/3rd Of the New Born still weigh less than 2.5 kg at
birth.
o Nearly 9 out of 10 pregnant women are malnourished
and anaemic.
o The anaemia in pregnant women causes 20% of infant
modality
• Due to low income, the rural poor people are unable to
consume the adequate amount of cereals.
• Meat, fish, egg, fruits and vegetables etc. are more
expensive source of energy which the rural poor people are
unable to afford.
• The adequate income earners also suffers malnutrition due
to lack Of awareness about nutritious food and feeding
practices.
3) DISTRIBUTION ISSUES:
• The PDS provides essential consumer goods at a cheap and
subsidized price to the consumer
• For targeting better the BPL people ,the T PDS divides the
entire population into BPL and APL categories
• The distribution of food grains (mainly wheat and rice) is
governed by:
• The scale of allocation and
• Its off-take by the beneficiaries
• The off-take of food-grain (T PDS and Welfare Schemes of
the GOI) has gone up
• Allocations of food grains for the BPL and AAY categories
are made at 35 kg per family per month for all accepted 6.52
crore BPL (including 2.43 crore AAY) families
• The allocation for the APL category has been increased
from 10 kg to 15 kg per family per month from August 2010
for six months
• Per-capita Availability of Food Grains has decreased
(Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of
Agriculture and Corporation)
o 1991 - 186.2 kg per year
o 2000 - 165.9 kg per year
o 2009 - 162.1 kg per year
• The government has been increasing the food subsidy in
the last few years
FOOD SUBSIDY RELEASED BY GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
4) CLIMATE CHANGE:
• Climate Change major threat to Indian agriculture
• The Global warming leads to unfavorable temperature
• 1 degree Celsius rise in temperature reduces the production
of
o wheat and rice and may create
o Vector born diseases to crops
• Unfavorable temperature
• This may lead to:
o lower fertility
o untimely rainfall &
o low productivity.
GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES TO ADDRESS FOOD
SECURITY: -
The Indian government has undertaken several initiatives and
policies to improve food security and enhance agricultural
sustainability across the country. These efforts are aimed at
addressing the challenges faced by farmers, ensuring food
accessibility, and promoting overall agricultural development.
Some key initiatives include:
1. National Food Security Act (NFSA):
Enacted in 2013, the NFSA is a landmark legislation aimed at
providing food security to a large segment of the population.
Under this act, highly subsidized food grains are distributed to
eligible beneficiaries through the Targeted Public Distribution
System (TPDS). The NFSA has significantly expanded the
coverage of subsidized food grains, thereby enhancing food
access for vulnerable sections of society.
2. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY):
The PMFBY is a crop insurance scheme launched to protect
farmers against crop loss due to unforeseen events such as
natural disasters, pests, and diseases. By providing financial
support to farmers, PMFBY aims to stabilize farm incomes and
encourage risk-taking in agriculture. The scheme covers a wide
range of crops and has been instrumental in mitigating the
adverse impact of crop failures on farmers' livelihoods.
3. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY):
The PMKSY focuses on improving water use efficiency in
agriculture through the development of irrigation infrastructure.
The scheme aims to expand irrigation coverage, promote
efficient water management practices, and enhance farmers'
resilience to climate variability. Components of PMKSY include
watershed development, micro-irrigation, and construction of
water storage structures.
4. National Horticulture Mission (NHM):
The NHM promotes holistic development of horticulture by
providing assistance for the cultivation of fruits, vegetables,
spices, and flowers. The mission aims to enhance productivity,
quality, and market access for horticultural produce. NHM
initiatives include support for integrated farming systems, post-
harvest management, and creation of market infrastructure.
5. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)
RKVY is a central sector scheme that supports states in
enhancing agriculture and allied sectors. The scheme encourages
states to formulate and implement innovative projects for
agricultural development based on local needs and priorities.
RKVY promotes investments in agriculture infrastructure,
technology adoption, and capacity building.
6. Soil Health Card Scheme (SHCS):
The SHCS aims to promote soil health management by
providing farmers with information on nutrient status of their
soil. Soil Health Cards (SHCs) are distributed to farmers,
detailing soil health parameters and recommendations for
balanced use of fertilizers. This initiative helps farmers make
informed decisions regarding soil fertility management, leading
to improved crop productivity and sustainability.
7. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY):
PKVY promotes organic farming practices by providing
financial support and training to farmers adopting organic
methods. The scheme encourages sustainable agriculture,
reduces chemical inputs, and promotes eco-friendly farming
practices. PKVY contributes to enhancing soil health,
biodiversity conservation, and improving farmers' incomes.
These government initiatives collectively aim to address various
aspects of food security, including production enhancement, risk
mitigation, infrastructure development, and periodic evaluation
are essential to ensure that these schemes achieve their intended
objectives and contribute towards sustainable food security in
India. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on leveraging
technology and innovation to modernize agriculture and
empower farmers with knowledge and resources needed to
overcome challenges and improve livelihoods.
CONCLUSION: -
In conclusion, food security in India necessitates a
holistic approach encompassing agricultural
reforms, infrastructure enhancement, and equitable
distribution mechanisms. The government's efforts
through various schemes are commendable, yet
continuous evaluation and adaptation are
imperative to address evolving challenges.
Enhancing farmer resilience, promoting sustainable
practices, and leveraging technology for better
market access are pivotal steps towards achieving
long-term food security in India. Ultimately, a
collaborative effort involving policymakers,
farmers, and stakeholders is crucial to realize a
sustainable and inclusive food system.
*END*